‘Wheelie good news’ for Portsmouth businesses as they share in £20k cycling boost fund

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NINE businesses across Portsmouth are sharing in a pot of £20,000 from the city council to promote cycling and walking to work.

Firms had the chance to apply for up to £3,000 through the council’s work place sustainable travel fund.

Florist Kelly Jordan, owner of Charmaine of Southsea in Albert Road, is one of those who have been successful in their bid.

She has received £1,000 to pay for a new flower bike to help with local deliveries.

She said: ‘It was so exciting when we heard. We want to try and be more environmentally-friendly.

‘Instead of using a car, we can now deliver flowers to people nearby on our bike.’

Other successful bids will see firms using the cash to pay for new pool bikes, cycling equipment, bike shelters and new shower facilities.

In addition to the cash, the council will also give successful applicants cycle locks, lights, pedometers, reflective products and travel maps.

Councillor Jim Fleming, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for traffic and transportation, said new funding bids would be available next year.

‘Anything we can do to encourage people to cycle or walk as an alternative to car use has to be positive and we are pleased we have been able to award this funding to a number of larger and smaller businesses in the city,’ he added.

The funding has been provided by the council after the authority receiving a cash boost from the Department for Transport’s sustainable travel transition fund.